Nonprofits face July 30 deadline for annual reports

Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is reminding thousands of nonprofit corporations that they can beat the state’s July 30 deadline for submitting annual reports by filing online at sos.ri.gov.

More than 7,900 nonprofits ranging from community groups to youth sports organizations are subject to the requirement. Under state law, nonprofits that miss the deadline face fines and the revocation of their Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Authority.

"We have made complying with the law as easy as possible and are doing all that we can to make them aware of the deadline," said Mollis, who hopes the reminder will help nonprofits avoid incurring unnecessary expenses in these difficult economic times.

Mollis added the online filing option a few years ago. Every organization has its own unique Customer Identification Number and Personal Identification Number in order to ensure security.

“Enhancing our technology makes it easier to do business with us. Our virtual office is open 24-7, so nonprofits can file when it is convenient for them,” said Mollis. "The online option also lowers our costs and gives the public access to the reports faster."

Nonprofits can file online at sos.ri.gov (link to: http://ucc.state.ri.us/loginsystem/login_form.asp). They can also file by mail or in person at the Secretary of State's Division of Business Services, 148 West River St., Providence.